polyester

1 of 2

noun

poly·​es·​ter ˈpä-lē-ˌe-stər 

ˌpä-lē-ˈe-

: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used especially in making fibers or plastics

also : a product (such as a fiber or fabric) composed of polyester

polyesterification

ˌpä-lē-e-ˌster-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

polyester

2 of 2

adjective

: characterized by inelegant or unsophisticated middle-class taste

polyester suburbs

polyester folks

Examples of polyester in a Sentence

Noun

The shirt is made of polyester.

The sheets are a cotton and polyester blend.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Fully 83 percent consider cotton and other natural fibers to be safe for the environment, while fewer than half believe that manmade fibers—including rayon (48 percent), polyester (46 percent) and Tencel (41 percent)—are safe for the environment. — Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

The problem is that potential feedstocks are so easily contaminated, especially in fashion — an industry obsessed with novelty and differentiation, where polyester might be embellished with sequins, or cotton might be blended with elastane. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

It’s crafted with a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane, which provides stretch for all-day wear and a flattering fit that complements any piece in your wardrobe. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2026

Inside the breathable 400-thread-count cotton cover is DuraLOFT polyester fill, while a two-inch gusset helps maintain its shape and structure over time. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

poly- + ester

Adjective

from the assumed popularity of clothing made from polyester fabric among middle-class consumers

First Known Use

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyester

• ancestor
• arrester
• digester
• investor
• protester
• requester
• semester
• sequester
• silvester
• trimester
• ester
• esther

Kids Definition

polyester

noun

poly·​es·​ter

ˈpäl-ē-ˌes-tər

: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used chiefly in making fibers or plastics